FAMU Brings Back Former Interim CFO as University Works Through Financial Issues

September 3, 2026 - 01:21

Florida A&M University has turned to a known quantity to manage its money problems, bringing back a former interim chief financial officer while the school hunts for a long-term replacement. The move comes as FAMU works through lingering audit findings and tries to reassure state officials about its financial controls.

The returning administrator, who previously stepped into the CFO role on a temporary basis, will now serve in that same capacity again. University leadership says the decision was made to provide stability and institutional memory during a period when the school faces scrutiny over how it handles funds, procurement, and reporting. FAMU has been under pressure since a state audit flagged several issues, including questionable spending and weak oversight in certain departments.

In recent months, the university has taken steps to tighten its processes, but the search for a permanent CFO has dragged on. Officials hope that bringing back someone who already knows the campus, the budget system, and the state's requirements will help speed up corrective actions. The rehired CFO is expected to work closely with the board of trustees and the president's office to implement new financial policies and prepare for the next audit cycle.

Faculty and staff have expressed cautious optimism, though some worry that a temporary fix may not be enough to solve deeper structural problems. The university has also faced questions about leadership turnover in other administrative roles, which has made some donors and legislators uneasy. For now, the focus is on rebuilding trust through transparent reporting and getting the books in order before the next fiscal year begins.